President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially declared Tuesday, April 22, 2025, a national holiday to be observed exclusively in Nimba County, where a crucial senatorial by-election is set to take place.A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the holiday is intended to facilitate smooth and peaceful participation in the democratic process.
All citizens and foreign residents in Nimba County are urged to observe the day as a public holiday. As part of the proclamation, all government offices, businesses, schools, and marketplaces within the county are to remain closed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.The Liberian government, through this declaration, aims to ensure that all eligible voters can move freely and cast their ballots without hindrance or obstruction.
The by-election follows the death of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, Nimba County’s longtime Senior Senator. In line with Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution, when a vacancy occurs in the Legislature due to death, resignation, expulsion, or any other reason, the Presiding Officer is required to inform the National Elections Commission (NEC) within 30 days. The NEC must then organize a by-election within 90 days unless the vacancy arises within 90 days of a general election.
On January 30, 2025, the Senate officially notified NEC of the vacancy, setting in motion the process to fill the seat.The proclamation also references Article 45 of the Constitution, which mandates that senators serve nine-year terms. However, a senator elected through a by-election serves only the remainder of the term left vacant.
Each of Liberia’s 15 counties is represented by two senators, with each having one vote in the Senate, and all senators are eligible for re-election.The NEC has scheduled the by-election in Nimba County for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in accordance with the Constitution’s provisions.
